Medical Benefits Assistance
- Senior Help Line
- Senior Companions
- Foster Grandparents
- Medical Benefits Assistance
- Ombudsmen
- Care Management
- Meal Programs
Missoula Aging Services' (MAS') certified State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselors can assist you in maneuvering through the complicated Medicare and Medicaid systems. We have information and assistance to help you identify your eligibility for these programs, how to access them and to also identify what these programs will cover. We may work as an advocate for you or direct you to other supportive services if the need arises. Call 728-7682 for more information.
Medicare
Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 or older. Some adults with disabilities under age 65 and people with End-Stage Renal Disease may qualify as well. Medicare has three parts: Part A covers hospitalization insurance, Part B covers physicians office visits, durable medical equipment, and laboratory fees, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
Medicare does not cover all medical needs or all costs regarding a specific need. That is why many Medicare recipients choose to add supplemental insurance. Many people have been paying into the Medicare program for years and have a right to Part A coverage without having to pay a premium when they qualify to receive Medicare. The Part B portion of Medicare is optional coverage and a monthly premium is charged.
For more information on Medicare including comparing Medicare Prescription Drug plans or finding a Medicare participating doctor you can also find it at http://www.medicare.gov
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans are approved by Medicare but run by private companies. These plans are sometimes called "Part C" or "MA" plans. These plans are not supplemental insurance. They will replace your original (Part A and Part B, and sometimes Part D) Medicare coverage. It is important to understand the cost-sharing of each plan, such as premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Medicare Advantage Plans may also require you to use only doctors and hospitals that are in their network.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides basic medical coverage for those with little or no resources (assets) and income. The program also provides catastrophic coverage to those with some resources and income, but whose medical expenses are excessive. It is important to note that not all medical services are covered by Medicaid. All covered services must be medically necessary, and many services require a co-payment by the Medicaid patient.
Supplemental Insurance
Supplemental insurance, or Medicare supplemental insurance, is a health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to fill gaps in the original Medicare plan coverage. Supplemental policies must follow federal and state laws for your protection. A supplemental policy must be one of ten standardized policies, so you may compare them easily. Each policy has a different set of benefits.
MAS' resource specialists have the latest information regarding these supplemental policies and which insurance companies are qualified and registered with the Insurance Commissioners office for the State of Montana to provide these policies. Call Missoula Aging Services at 728-7682 for more information or visit the State Auditor Web Page at http://sao.mt.gov/seniors/index.asp for Medicare Supplement Plan rate comparisons or Medicare Supplement consumer guides.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is specifically designed to assist in the cost of the care of an individual who may need help during a disability, injury or prolonged illness. Several factors should be considered before purchasing long-term care insurance. MAS resource specialists have consumer information to help you decide if long-term care insurance is right for you. Call 728-7682 for more information.
Montana SMP
"Empowering seniors to prevent health-care fraud."
Montana SMP, a program of MAS, recruits and educates volunteers to assist seniors to become better health care consumers by understanding how to spot mistakes or other billing errors. Tools are available at MAS to help track medical expenses including a healthcare journal and a medical bill envelope. For more information, click on www.smpresource.org
Visit www.medicare.gov for information on Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, including Medicare Part D.
Visit the Montana State Auditor's Web site at http://sao.mt.gov/ for more information on Medicare Supplement Plans.